TSX-listed copper, nickel and gold producer First Quantum Minerals has expressed its support for newly gazetted regulations aimed at increasing local participation in Zambia’s mining sector, following the Minerals Development (Preference for Zambian Goods and Services) Regulations, 2025 by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.

The legislation seeks to promote greater use of Zambian goods and services in the country’s growing mining sector.

”As an investor in Zambia for almost 30 years, First Quantum supports all efforts to unlock opportunities across the mining value chain for Zambian businesses,” the company, which operates the Kansanshi copper gold mine in the country, said.

The government’s target of producing three-million tons a year of copper by 2031 would require not only significant levels of investment by international mining companies, but also  a substantially larger pool of skilled workers and a broader base of local suppliers capable of supporting expanded mining operations, First Quantum pointed out.

The company said that it prioritises local businesses and develops regional supply chains wherever possible across its global operations, adding that supplier monitoring and performance is a process of continual improvement.

“As a global business, more than 80% of our spend is with nationally registered suppliers,” the company highlighted.

“First Quantum strives to foster the development of local supply chains whenever it is commercially viable to do so. In 2024 alone, First Quantum spent more than $1.7-billion with Zambian-registered businesses, representing 84% of our spending on goods and services in the country. This is equivalent to around 6% of Zambia’s gross domestic product,” First Quantum country director Anthony Mukutuma said.

“The recently commissioned Kansanshi S3 Expansion, one of the most advanced copper projects in Africa, involved over 2 500 Zambians and 535 local Zambian companies, working on the project alongside our in-house teams — gaining skills and capacity that will serve them long after S3 is complete,” he added.

First Quantum has developed a new way for interested local Zambian suppliers to submit their interest in becoming a registered vendor with the company in Zambia.

Registration will enable consideration for relevant requests-for-quotes and tender processes, opening the door to future business opportunities with First Quantum Minerals. Interested parties can visit https://supply.fqml.com for further details.